Mrs. Wilma Naomi Cephus

AGNEW FUNERAL HOME: Announce with deepest sympathy the passing of Mrs. Wilma King Cephus on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

WILMA'S LIFE STORY: 

Mrs. Wilma Naomi King Cephus was born June 4, 1936 to the late Rev. Robert and Mrs. Emma Thompson King in Bessemer, Alabama. She was the youngest of her sixteen (16) siblings. She received her early education in Jefferson County, Alabama. Her educational pursuits continued at Miles College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education and later at the University of Alabama where she earned a Master of Arts Degree.

In 1958, Mrs. Cephus moved to Greensboro, Alabama to begin her teaching career in the Hale County School System. It was there that she met and married the love of her life, Alonzo Tyler Cephus, Sr. They were married in 1960 and to this union, two daughters were born, Yolanda Lynette and Kimberly Gail.

Mrs. Cephus was a Business Education teacher for thirty-three (33) year at Greensboro Public School – East Campus and also served as the school registrar. A fan favorite, she was the announcer at commencement exercises for over twenty-five (25) years. She had a kind way of making every student feel loved and cared for as evidenced by their many visits to her home whenever they returned to visit family.

Always serving her community, Mrs. Cephus was an active member of the Greensboro Elks Temple 1309 and held the title of District Deputy. She was a member of the Kiwanis Club, Hale County Board of Registrars (responsible for conducting all general and special elections for the county), Retired Educators Association, Deep South Network for Cancer Control, Board of Appeals for Selective Service and the Sarah Christian Civic Club.

Mrs. Cephus was an active and dedicated member of the St. Matthew A.M.E. Church, joining soon after her marriage to Alonzo. She served as a Steward, Sunday School teacher, member of the Women’s Missionary Society, member of the Lay Organization and was a founding member of the Ambassadors (official greeters of the church). She remained committed to her church by tithing even when her health prevented her from attending in person services.

In 2003, Mrs. Cephus became the Office Manager for Agnew Funeral Home in Greensboro and served her community by being a soft shoulder to lean on and a comforting voice in their most vulnerable times of loss. Her sweet spirit was a constant to so many families during their moments of grief.

Although active in church and civic activities after her retirement in 1993, her heart was always with her family. She loved her family dearly and her grandsons held a special place in her heart. She would put everything on hold to visit and care for her family in times of need.

She will be missed on this side but “oh the joy that fills our souls” knowing that she is in a better place and reuniting with those that have gone on ahead of her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alonzo T. Cephus, Sr., both of her parents, Robert and Emma Thompson King, fifteen of her sixteen siblings Alphonso “Pap” King, Mary Jane Wallace, Lizzie Mae Miles, Lillie Bell Eato, Stella Grace Webster, George Thomas King, Robert Benjamin “Haus” King, Jr., Lester Leroy King, Earnest Floyd King, Pearl Alice Towns, William David “Bill” King, Clarence Earl “PiJoe” King, Andrew Leon “Chip” King, Dorothy Anna Gunn, Addie Delores Sea, and God-daughter Carol ‘Peaches’ Webster.

She leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Yolanda Cephus and Kimberly Cephus Green (David Sr.); one sister, Thelma King McCaslin; two grandsons, Thermyn King-Jones (Tre’), and Rev. David William Green, Jr; step-daughter Camille Cephus Woolfolk (Tommy Sr.) and step-son Alonzo Cephus, Jr. (Jolene); a special friend that always looked out for her and her home in Greensboro, Willie James Royal; and a host of loving relatives and friends.

PUBLIC VIEWING: Friday, March 20, 2026, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Agnew Funeral Home in Greensboro, AL 36744

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:00 AM St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church 1006 Morse Street | Greensboro, AL 36744 Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Jr. – Presiding Prelate Rev. Stephanie Davis-Colenberg – Host Pastor Presiding Elder David W. Green, Sr. - Eulogist.

INTERMENT: Sarah Christian Cemetery in Greensboro, AL 

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